FN MAG
| MAG | |
|---|---|
| File:762 MAG R.jpg Recent production MAG with synthetic stock. | |
| Type | General purpose machine gun |
| Place of origin |  Belgium |
| Service history | |
| Used by | See Users |
| Wars | South African Border War, Falklands War, Gulf War, 2003 Iraq conflict |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Ernest Vervier |
| Designed | 1950s |
| Manufacturer | Fabrique Nationale (FN) |
| Produced | 1958-present |
| Variants | See Variants |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | Template:Kg to lb |
| Length | Template:Mm to in |
| Barrel length | Template:Mm to in |
| Cartridge | 7.62x51mm NATO |
| Action | Gas-operated |
| Rate of fire | 650-1,000 rounds/min |
| Muzzle velocity | 840 m/s (2,756 ft/s) |
| Effective firing range | 200 to 1,800 m sight adjustments |
| Maximum firing range | 1,500 m from tripod |
| Feed system | Non-disintegrating DM1 or disintegrating M13 linked belt |
| Sights | Folding leaf sight with aperture and notch, front blade |
The MAG is a Belgian 7.62 mm general purpose machine gun, designed in the early 1950s at Fabrique Nationale (FN) by Ernest Vervier. It is used in 70 countries, in 25 of those countries it is a standard-issue support weapon, it was produced locally in 6 countries (Argentina, Egypt, India, Singapore, Taiwan, USA and the United Kingdom). The weapon’s name is an abbreviation for Mitrailleuse d'Appui General – “general purpose machine gun” (GPMG). The MAG is available in three primary versions: the standard, heavy infantry Model 60-20 machine gun, the Model 60-40 coaxial machine gun for armoured fighting vehicles and the Model 60-30 aircraft variant.
Design details
The MAG Model 60-20 is an automatic, air-cooled, gas-operated weapon that uses ignited powder gases bled through a port in the barrel to propel a gas piston rod connected to the locking assembly (uses a long-stroke piston system). The barrel breech is locked with a vertically-tilting, downward locking lever mechanism that is connected to the bolt carrier through an articulated joint. The locking shoulder and camming surfaces that guide the locking lever are located at the base of the receiver. The MAG uses a series of proven design elements from other successful firearms, e.g. the locking mechanism is modeled on that of the Browning M1918 (BAR) automatic rifle, and the feed and trigger mechanisms are from the WWII-era MG42 universal machine gun.
The MAG fires from an open bolt. Both the spring-powered extractor and ejector are contained in the bolt. After firing, spent cartridge casings are removed through an ejection port located at the base of the receiver (a spring-loaded dust cover of the MG42 type covers the ejection port). The machine gun has a striker firing mechanism (the bolt carrier acts as the striker as it contains a channel that houses the firing pin, which protrudes out from the surface of the bolt upon firing), an automatic-only trigger assembly and a manual cross-bolt push-button safety, which is located above the pistol grip. With the safety placed in the “safe” setting, the sear mechanism is disabled. The safety can only be engaged with the weapon cocked.
The weapon feeds from the left-hand side from open-link, metal ammunition belts: either the American disintegrating M13 belt (NATO standard) or the segmented German DM1 belt, whose 50-round sections can be linked together through a cartridge. In order to adapt the weapon to feed from one belt type to the other, several components of the feed mechanism need to be reconfigured since the position of the feed tray's cartridge stop and pawl angles in the top cover are different. The MAG features a pawl-type feeding mechanism that continues to move the feed link during both the rearward and forward cycles of the reciprocating bolt carrier, producing a smooth belt flow. The feeding mechanism’s three pawls are actuated by a roller connected to the bolt carrier. The feed channel rail, feed link, both feed slides and the feed tray are chrome plated. The top cover body is an anodized aluminum casting. In the infantry assault role, the weapon can be fitted with a sheet metal container that houses a 50-round belt and is attached to the left side of the receiver housing.
The quick-change barrel has a slotted flash suppressor. The barrel’s chamber and bore are chromium-lined and the barrel has 4 right-hand grooves with a 305 mm (1:12 in) rifling twist rate. Also attached to the barrel is the front sight housing and base, carry handle and gas block (equipped with an exhaust-type gas regulator valve with three settings).
The machine gun is fitted with a folding bipod (attached to the end of the gas cylinder) that cannot be adjusted for height. The aluminum legs can be folded back for carrying or use as a forearm - and secured in slots under the receiver by their hooks and a spring-loaded catch. When firing from the hip, the bipod legs remain extended and the left leg is gripped for support. The bipod can be removed from the gas cylinder by tapping-out a roll pin in the gas cylinder head until it's flush and the bipod can be rotated enough to clear the gas cylinder's retaining lugs. The MAG is also equipped with a fixed wooden stock, pistol grip, carrying handle and iron sights that consist of a forward blade (adjustable mechanically for both windage and elevation) and a folding leaf rear sight with an aperture in the down position for firing distances from 200 to 800 m in 100 m increments and an open U-notch for ranges from 800 to 1,800 meters in 100 m increments. The rear sight is hinged to a base with protective ears that is integral with the receiver's upper forging.
The MAG’s receiver is constructed from sheet metal stampings reinforced by steel plates and rivets. The front is reinforced to accept the barrel nut and gas cylinder which are permanently mounted. Guide rails which support the bolt assembly and piston extension during their reciprocating movement are riveted to the side plates. The bolt's guide rails are shaped downward to drive the locking lever into engagement with the locking shoulder - also riveted to the side plates. The rear of the receiver has been reinforced and slotted to accept the buttstock.
In the static machine gun role the weapon is mounted on a tripod which offers a higher degree of accuracy and control than the bipod, e.g. the FN 360° tripod, which features an elevation adjustment mechanism that enables the weapon’s bore axis to be maintained from Template:Mm to in to Template:Mm to in, has a -30° to +15° elevation change and a 360° traverse range.
The vehicle-mounted variant of the MAG lacks a stock, bipod, carry handle, pistol grip and ejection port dust cover, it does however have a new closed-type gas regulator. Depending on the weapon’s employment, the machine gun can also be fitted with an extended charging handle linkage, standard trigger group (with a pistol grip), or a specialized trigger assembly with an electrically-fired trigger.
The pintle-mounted aircraft model is fed from either the right or left-hand side exclusively with the M13 belt. Thus configured weapons typically lack standard iron sights and are equipped with electrically powered triggers.
The MAG fires the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. A variant was also produced for the Swedish Army (designated the Ksp 58), that was adapted to use the 6.5x55mm Mauser rifle cartridge.
Variants
In 1961, the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield (currently British Aerospace) in the United Kingdom undertook license production of the MAG in the following versions: L7A2, L8A2, L37A2, L20A1 and the L43A1. These models all use the M13 ammunition belt.
The L7A2 general purpose machine gun (it replaced the L7A1 machine gun in service with the British Army), compared to the MAG Model 60-20, features among other minor changes: a 10-position gas regulator valve, plastic buttstock and a bracket used to mount optical sights, including night vision sights (mounted to the left side of the receiver). In a stationary defensive role, the L7A2 can be mounted on the L4A1 tripod, used in conjunction with a periscope sight.
The L8A2 coaxial tank machine gun (replaced the L8A1) has a different gas valve switch (closed, single-position) in comparison to the analogous Model 60-40, a different flash hider and a modified cocking handle. Additionally, the weapon also has a unique trigger group that accepts electrical input and a lever in the feed tray that enables the belt to be removed without lifting open the feed tray cover.
Another tank machine gun is the L37A2 (succeeded the L37A1) designed to be mounted on tank turrets in the commanders position, wheeled armoured vehicles and armored personnel carriers. It differs from the L8A2 primarily with the trigger, which was adapted from the L7A2 GPMG. The machine gun can be used in the ground role for self-defense by dismounted vehicle crew members; an egress kit is provided that consists of an L7A2 barrel, bipod and buttstock.
The L20A1 aircraft machine gun was created based on the L8A2, from which it differs having an electrical trigger and slotted flash suppressor. The L20A1 can be converted to right-hand feed by exchanging several components in the feed mechanism.
The L43A1, developed from the L8A2 is used as a coaxially-mounted tank machine gun used to sight-in the vehicle’s main gun by firing ballistically-matched tracer ammunition at the target and confirming the trajectory visually. The weapon’s barrel, fitted with a flash hider, has a reinforced and heavier contour that increases the weapon’s accuracy especially during sustained fire.
On January 14 1977, the US Army awarded a contract to FN Herstal for the delivery of a modernized Model 60-40 variant tank machine gun designated the M240. Initially the firearms were produced in Belgium, currently they are manufactured in the USA by FN’s US wholly-owned subsidiary FNMI (FN Manufacturing Inc.). The M240 is built in several versions: the M240 (base model), M240C, M240E1, M240D, M240G and M240B.
The M240 is the standard coaxial machine gun used on US armored vehicles. It is used in the M60 series of tanks (where it replaced the M73/M219 7.62 mm machine guns) and the M1 Abrams family. It has an electrically-operated trigger and a reloading lever. Compared to the MAG Model 60-40, the M240 has a slightly different flash hider and gas valve.
The M240C is a variant of the original M240, but with a right-handed feed system. It is used in the M2 and M3 Bradley series of infantry fighting vehicles as a coaxial machine gun to the main armament.
M240E1, installed since 1987 on LAV-series wheeled armored fighting vehicles. It has a spade-type grip with an integrated trigger and cocking mechanism.
The M240D is considered an upgrade to the M240E1 and is optimized for use in military helicopters in a pintle-mounted configuration. The M240D is also supplied with a kit for dismounted use.
The M240G general purpose machine gun was introduced into service with the United States Marine Corps and the 75th Ranger Regiment in the early 1990s in place of the M60E3. It has a different gas adjustment valve and shorter flash hider than the MAG Model 60-20. The weapon was also modified to accept optical sights through the use of a MIL-STD-1913 receiver-mounted rail. The M240G is placed on the M122A1 tripod for stationary use. The M240G weighs Template:Kg to lb, has an overall length of Template:Mm to in and a rate of fire of between 750-950 rounds/min.
The M240B is a modernized and product improved derivative of the M240G, which features a perforated handguard and heat shroud, a standard Picatinny rail integral to the receiver top cover (enables the use of optical day and night sights), a new synthetic stock and a new ammunition container. The M240B was selected to be the Army’s new medium machine gun on December 1 1995, replacing the M60 machine gun (it defeated the M60E4 during trials).
FN Production Variants
| Designation | Description |
|---|---|
| MAG 60.20 | Standard infantry version with pistol grip, fixed buttstock, and bipod; Many subvariants including the T3 (L7A1) and T6 (L7A2) |
| MAG 60.30 | Fixed aircraft version, firing from a solenoid trigger; Capable, at least in some subvariants, of left and right hand feeding |
| MAG 60.40 | Coaxial version for armoured fighting vehicles; Many subvariants including the T3 (M240) |
| MAG 10.10 | "Jungle" version with shorter barrel and buttstock. |
British subvariants
| Designation | Description |
|---|---|
| L7A1 | 7.62x51 mm NATO FN MAG 60.20 T3 machine gun |
| L7A2 | L7A1 variant; FN MAG 60.20 T6; Improved feed mechanism and provision for 50 round belt-box |
| L8A1 | L7A1 variant; For mounting in AFVs. No buttstock. Barrel fitted with fume extractor. Solenoid-triggered, but with folding pistol grip for emergency use. |
| L8A2 | L8A1 variant; improved feed mechanism |
| L19A1 | L7A1 variant; extra-heavy barrel |
| L20A1 | L7A1 variant; for remote firing in gun pods and external mountings |
| L20A2 | L20A1 variant; improved feed mechanism |
| L37A1 | L8A1 variant; L8A1 breech & L7 barrel for mounting on AFVs. Conventional pistol grip & trigger, plus kit allowing dismounted use |
| L37A2 | L37A1 variant; L8A2 based. As above. |
| L43A1 | L7A1 variant; for use as a ranging gun on the Scorpion light tank |
| L44A1 | L20A1 variant; for Royal Navy |
Other families
The FN MAG has been adopted by nations around the world. In the British and American cases whole separate families of weapons have evolved from the original FN weapon.
Users
Argentina - The FN MAG is in use in the Argentinian Army as the Ametralladora MAG 7,62 mm[1] after being purchased more than two decades ago. The MAG saw action during the Falklands War.
Australia - The FN MAG is officially designated as the MAG-58 in the Australian Defence Force, in particular, the Australian Army. Due to its weight the weapon is usually employed in the Direct Fire Support role mounted on a tripod for accurate sustained fire operations. The MAG-58 is also used as a coaxial and flex mount machine gun for the LAV-25 AFV, and is also fitted to Army Blackhawk helicopters as a defensive weapon operated by the load master. Other vehicle uses of the weapon was on the Perente 6x6 Infantry mobility vehicles and the Bushmaster 4x4 infantry mobility vehicle.
- In recent times the stores of the MAG-58 of the ADF have undergone a complete rebuild replacing all the rivets in the receiver and exchanging L7 GPMG components that had found their way into the ADF stores of MAG-58 over the years. Standardising and refurbishing of the weapon platform allowed for continued operation and logistical support of the SFMG well into the year 2000 and beyond. To date no weapon is in production to replace the MAG-58.
Austria - The MAG-58 is established in the Austrian Army as 7,62 mm MG FNMAG/Pz and is used in the Schützenpanzer Ulan and the Kampfpanzer Leopard 2A4. In version FNMAG/M it is also used as armament for the new S-70A-42 Black Hawk Helicopters.
Belgium - At use in every basic infantry and paracommando squad of the Belgian Army.
Brazil
Cambodia - Used by Khmer Republic back in the Cambodian Civil War in the 1970.
Canada - As the C6 GPMG, it is used primarily as a platoon level support weapon. Two C6 machine guns are assigned to each Rifle platoon. The C6 GPMG is also mounted on a variety of vehicles, including the LAV III, the Coyote, the Leopard C2, and the G-Wagon LUVW. In these vehicles the C6 GPMGs are co-axially and pintle mounted and used to provide fire support to the infantry or for local defence of the vehicle itself.
Colombia
Greece - The FN MAG is in service with the Army and Special Forces
Estonia - The Swedish-made version known as the Ksp 58 has been adopted as the standard MG.
Indonesia - Pindad SPM2-V2 GPMG is an Indonesian copy of the FN MAG. It different externally, but internally it is the same gun.
India - The various services of the Indian Armed Forces use the locally produced versions of the MAG 58 known as the MG 2A1, MG 1A, MG 5A & MG 6A.
Ireland - Known as the GPMG or MAG. It is used in a fire support role at section level in the infantry. Other units (including the Naval Service and Air Corps) use the GPMG in variety roles such as mounted, sustained fire and heavy roles. It has been recently introduced to the army reserve replacing the Bren gun.
Israel - It is being superseded by the newer, Israeli made Negev Light machine gun. Still widely used on tanks, APC's, Israeli Navy Missile Boats and Dvora Patrol Boats and other vehicles.
Lebanon - In use with the Lebanese Army on vehicles such as the M151 MUTT
Lithuania
Montenegro
Mexico
Malaysia
Morocco
Netherlands - Mostly replaced in the infantry role by the FN MINIMI, still widely used on tanks, AFVs (coaxial) and mounted on trucks and Jeeps. Recently a lot used on deployment in Afghanistan (RC-S) for additional support. Also used as a fixed weapon by non-combat units.
New Zealand - The New Zealand Defence Force originally purchased the British-made L7A2 version of the MAG in 1976. These are now being replaced by several versions of the Belgian made MAG 58, which was originally introduced into service as part of the introduction of the NZLAV. The FN-made MAG's are now used in the infantry light machine gun (LMG) role, as a flexible mounted machine gun on the LOV and a heavy sustained fire machine gun. [2]
Nigeria
Norway - In use on used Leopard 2 main battle tanks bought from Netherlands.
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines - Used on Simba (APC).
Rhodesia - Used by Rhodesian Security Forces during that country's Bush War (1965-1987).
Singapore - One FN MAG is issued to each rifle platoon. It is always referred to as GPMG or simply, MG. The weapon is operated by the machine gun team, comprising the MG Commander, the MG-gunner, and assistant gunner who carries extra ammunition, helps link belts and change barrels, and provides security.
Slovenia
South Africa - Deployed in infantry platoons. Commonly referred to as the LMG.
Sweden - Adopted in 1958 as Ksp 58, and manufactured by Carl Gustav. It was chambered in 6.5x55mm Swedish. It was slightly modified in 1970 circa, to the current Ksp 58B standard, with the major improvement being a new gas-regulator. At the same time most weapons were converted to 7.62x51mm NATO, simply by replacing the barrels. However, the old barrels were still kept to be able to use the large stock of ammunition in 6.5 mm. A short barreled variant, also fitted with a retracting stock akin to that on the FN MINIMI Para has also been developed under the designation Ksp 58DF, but the resulting Ksp 58D has not yet been adopted. The Ksp 58 Strv is a version used in tanks. Ksp 58C is used on the CV-9040C of the Royal Swedish army
Taiwan - Made under license as Type 74. Designed and manufactured by the 205th Armory, Ministry of Defense. It is based on the FN MAG with extensive modifications to meet the requirements of the ROC Armed Forces. The T74 project was authorized by the ROC Army as the replacement of T57/M60 machine guns. The design was completed in 1985, and volume production commenced in 1988 after extensive testing. Several areas have been redesigned to optimize the weapon for local manufacturing capabilities and user requirements, particularly ergonomic measurements of the average Taiwanese soldier. The most obvious differences between the two are the M60-style bipod and enlarge trigger guard on the T74. Windage adjustment was also incorporated into the rear sight. The Type 74 barrel features spiral cooling fins similar to early MAG models, with the same quick change system. The rate of fire was deliberately lowered to improve reliability and is adjustable between 400 and 800 rounds/min.
A variant known as the Type 74V was developed as a coaxial machine gun for the M41D light tank upgrade. It did not enter production.
Thailand - Service in Royal Thai Army as vehicle mount machine gun and some Infantry Unit since 1995.
Turkey - Used in the Sharpshooter Turret
United Kingdom - The L7 machine gun general purpose machine gun is used by the British Army. It and the related L8 are a license-built derivative of the FN MAG. The official British Army designation of the current version is the L7A2 GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun), but it is affectionately nicknamed "the Gimpy" pronounced with a soft G (or "Jimpy") by British soldiers (alternatively "The General" in some units).
- The L7 was adopted by the British forces as a replacement for the long-serving Vickers machine gun (in the medium role) and the Bren (in the light role), following trials in 1957. Built under license by Enfield, it serves in the British Army, the Royal Marines and other services. There have been two main variants, the L7A1 and L7A2, developed for infantry use, with the L7A2 having superseded the earlier variant. Several other variants have been developed, notably the L8 (A1 and A2), modified for mounting in armored vehicles (the L37 variant was developed for mounting on armored vehicles). Although intended to replace the Bren entirely, that light machine gun (re-titled the L4) continued in use in jungle terrain (especially in the Far East), where there was no requirement for the medium machine gun role, and with secondary units, until the adoption of the L86 Light Support Weapon (LSW).
- The LSW was intended to replace both the L7 and the L4 in the light machinegun role, but dissatisfaction with the L86's firepower and reliability resulted in combat units continuing to utilize the L7 whenever possible (although neither it, nor its 7.62mm NATO ammunition were supposed to be issued to infantry platoons). The British Army and Royal Marines have since been issued with the FN MINIMI L110A1 to replace the LSW as the light section support or fire support weapon. This uses the same NATO standard 5.56mm ammunition as the SA80 assault rifle. However 7.62mm GPMG variants continue in use in both dismounted roles and mounted on some British military vehicles, ships, and aircraft.
United States - The Army mainly uses the M240B, and the Marine Corps the M240G, though there are other types used by them and other branches, such as for use in AFVs. (see main article: M240 machine gun)
Venezuela - The FN MAG is used as a standard machine-gun in Venezuelan Army infantry units.
Zimbabwe - Mainly stockpiles left over from Rhodesian Government.
See also
- Mk 48 Mod 0 LWMG - FN MINIMI in 7.62 mm caliber for US SOCOM
- T74 machine gun
- Sumitomo Heavy Machineries NTK-62 machine gun (Type 62) an outwardly similar Japanese weapon
Notes
- ^ MAG 7.62 being used in military training exercises in Misiones, Argentina: http://www.infobae.com/adjuntos/imagenes/99/0079971B.jpg
- ^ Machine Guns.
